The To-Do List That Finally Works (And Why It’s a Game Changer)

Ever made a to-do list only to feel even more overwhelmed? Yeah, same.

A few days ago, I found myself in a complete mental gridlock. I had just gotten over a cold, and while my body was recovering, my brain was short-circuiting. The house was a mess, creative ideas were piling up, and instead of tackling things one by one, I froze and did… nothing. When I finally sat down to write a to-do list, I expected relief. But instead, it felt like I had just documented Mount Everest—just staring at it made me restless.

On top of that, I’m also dealing with post-viral fatigue from Epstein-Barr, which means I have to be extra mindful of my energy. I can’t just push through tasks like I used to. I need to pace myself, listen to my body, and sometimes even micromanage what I do to avoid burnout.

That’s when I knew I had to change my approach.

The Breakthrough: Splitting My To-Do List into Two Categories

I realized the problem wasn’t just what was on my to-do list, but how it was structured. I was mixing everything together—household chores, work tasks, creative projects—all in one endless list. No wonder my brain felt scattered.

So, I tried something new. I split my tasks into two categories:

1. Manifestation & Alignment – This includes creative work, writing, personal development, meditation, anything that aligns with my vision.
2. Earthly Maintenance – Think laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, emails—practical, everyday tasks that keep life running smoothly.

The difference? Instant relief.

Why This Works (And Why You Should Try It)

• It makes me feel grounded – I usually start with something from the Manifestation section. Once I’ve finished a creative task, I switch to something from the Earthly Maintenance list—like folding laundry. While I do that, I process what I just created instead of letting the fire of that energy burn me out. It’s a flow between action and integration.
• No more overwhelm – You’re not staring at an endless mountain; you’re just shifting between two manageable sections.
• Balanced energy – Instead of getting stuck in one mode (all work or all chores), you keep things dynamic.
• Less resistance, more flow – Knowing I can switch between categories keeps me moving forward, even on low-energy days.

Bonus Tip: Micromanaging Without Feeling Stuck

Another trick I’ve started using is extra checkboxes for big tasks. Let’s say “fold laundry” is on my list, but I know I don’t have the energy to do the whole pile at once. Instead of writing it down four times, I add small checkboxes at the end of the line. So today, I check off “t-shirts.” Tomorrow, I check off “socks.” Progress without the pressure!

Get Your Free Printable To-Do List

Because this method has been such a game changer for me, I wanted to create something for you to try, too. I designed six printable versions of this to-do list, available in three languages: English, Dutch, and Spanish. Each language comes in two styles:

• A styled version with earthy tones & Arizona-inspired graphics – A little extra visual inspiration.
• A minimalist black & white version – Clean, simple, and printer-friendly, with a masculine desert vibe.

All versions are free to download, so grab the one that fits your style best!

If you try this method, let me know how it works for you! Do you feel more balanced? Less overwhelmed? Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @Tanistates—I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Sometimes, the biggest productivity hack isn’t doing more—it’s doing things differently.

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